Children and Diving: Start Your Child’s Underwater Adventure with PADI

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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PADI Youth Diving Programmes

Scuba diving isn’t just for grown-ups—children can dive too! Through PADI’s youth programmes, kids can safely explore the magic of the underwater world while learning about ocean life, teamwork, and self-confidence.

From first bubbles in a pool to their first open-water dive, every experience is guided by professional PADI instructors who make safety and fun the top priorities. Diving becomes more than an activity—it’s a journey of discovery.

Bubblemaker – The First Splash (Age 8+)

The PADI Bubblemaker programme is the perfect way to introduce children to diving. Held in a shallow pool, this fun and easy experience lets kids take their first breaths underwater using real scuba gear. There’s no pressure to learn technical skills—just pure excitement, laughter, and bubbles!

Many divers trace their lifelong passion back to this very first splash.

PADI Seal Team – Learning Through Fun (Age 8+)

Once your child is comfortable underwater, the PADI Seal Team takes the fun to the next level. Through exciting “AquaMissions,” kids learn diving basics, practise buoyancy, and explore marine conservation themes—all while having a great time.

Each mission builds confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection with the ocean. It’s an ideal next step before moving on to real open-water diving.

Junior Open Water Diver – The Real Adventure Begins (Ages 10–14)

For young explorers ready for the real thing, the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification opens up the ocean world. The course follows the same structure as the adult version, but with depth limits to ensure safety:

Ages 10–11: Up to 12 metres (40 feet)
Ages 12–14: Up to 18 metres (60 feet)

This is where the adventure truly begins—your child can join supervised dives alongside adults or PADI professionals and experience the thrill of real underwater exploration.

Building Ocean Awareness and Responsibility

Diving helps children see the ocean differently. Through direct experience, they learn why protecting marine life and reducing pollution matter. PADI’s youth courses naturally encourage eco-awareness, turning young divers into passionate ocean advocates.

Why Start Young?

Starting diving early helps children grow in confidence, patience, and respect for nature. It’s also a wonderful way to create lasting family memories—sharing dives, stories, and underwater adventures together.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a marine biologist or simply loves the sea, PADI’s youth programmes offer the perfect start to their underwater journey. Every bubble they blow brings them closer to becoming the next generation of ocean guardians.

Ready to Begin?
Give your child the chance to experience the magic of the ocean!
Contact us today to learn more or book their first PADI Bubblemaker or Junior Open Water Diver session. Let’s make their first dive unforgettable—because every young explorer deserves to discover what lies beneath the surface. 🌊

PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course

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Children’s Diving

By Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern

Great Reasons to Visit Bali

Posted on October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Great Reasons to Visit Bali – Diving, Culture, Food and More

When people hear that I live in Bali full-time, they usually have one of two reactions — either “Oh wow! Lucky you, permanently on holiday!” or “Isn’t it a big party island?”
The truth is, the real Bali lies somewhere between those two ideas.

From incredible diving and rich culture to stunning scenery and mouth-watering food, there are countless reasons to visit Bali — and every visitor discovers their own.

🌊 1. Incredible Diving

For us at AquaMarine Diving – Bali, this one’s at the top of the list. Bali offers something for every diver — from first-timers to seasoned professionals. You can try a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience, earn your Open Water certification, or explore speciality courses like Manta Awareness.

Dive sites include the spectacular USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben, Menjangan Island’s wall dives, the vibrant reefs around Padangbai and Candidasa (often with reef sharks!), and Nusa Penida’s famous drift dives where you may encounter Mola-Mola (Ocean sunfish) and manta rays.

No matter your level, Bali’s underwater world will leave you in awe.

🕉️ 2. Rich Culture

Bali is Indonesia’s only Hindu-majority island, often called “The Island of a Thousand Temples.” Every village has its own temple, each with centuries of history and deep spiritual meaning.

Visitors can witness colourful ceremonies, local processions, and beautifully adorned offerings — a unique blend of faith, art, and daily life that defines the Balinese spirit.

🌾 3. Gorgeous Scenery

Bali is a feast for the senses: lush green rice terraces, crystal-clear waters, majestic volcanoes, and golden beaches. Whether you’re watching sunrise over Mount Batur or capturing temple silhouettes against a fiery sunset, it’s impossible not to be inspired.

Photographers and nature lovers will find endless beauty to explore — from cascading waterfalls to tropical gardens and remote coastal views.

💞 4. Romance in the Air

Bali has long been known as one of the most romantic places in the world. Stroll hand-in-hand along the beach at sunset, share a candlelit dinner by the sea, or enjoy a private couple’s dive together.

With its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, Bali is perfect for honeymoons, vow renewals, or simply reconnecting with someone special.

☀️ 5. Peace and Relaxation

For those seeking quiet, head away from the busy south and explore the east, west, or north coasts — or the peaceful foothills of central Bali. These regions offer a more traditional, serene side of island life.

At dusk, as the sky glows pink and the air fills with the sound of distant gamelan music, you’ll understand why Bali is a haven for peace and reflection.

🌞 6. Endless Sunshine

Just eight degrees south of the Equator, Bali enjoys sunshine nearly all year round. Even during rainy season, showers are brief and refreshing. With an average of 200 hours of sunshine per month, you’ll have plenty of time for diving, exploring, or simply relaxing by the water.

(Just don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen!)

🤝 7. Warm, Welcoming People

The Balinese are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Their kindness, smiles, and curiosity make every visitor feel at home. Many speak excellent English and love sharing their island stories.

It’s not unusual for guests to form lasting friendships — another reason so many people return to Bali again and again.

🍜 8. Foodie Heaven

If you love good food, you’ll adore Bali. From spicy local dishes to fresh seafood and vegetarian delights, the island’s culinary scene is both diverse and delicious.

Try satay made from chicken, pork, or fish, sample traditional nasi campur or gado-gado, or enjoy smoothie bowls and gourmet Western dishes at Bali’s many cafés and restaurants.

Discover the Real Bali

Whether you come for the diving, the culture, the food, or simply to unwind, Bali has a magic that stays with you long after you leave.
These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Bali, and once you’ve experienced its charm, you’ll understand why so many visitors return again and again.

Ready to explore Bali’s incredible underwater world?
👉 Plan your next dive with AquaMarine Diving – Bali and see the island from a whole new perspective.

Bali Diving 1 Day Trip

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Diving in Bali

Mola-Mola and Manta Dive Site

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Discovering the Mola-Mola and Manta Dive Site

If you’re planning a diving trip to Bali and hoping to witness both the Mola-Mola (Ocean Sunfish) and the magnificent manta rays, this is the dive site you can’t miss. The combination of rare pelagic sightings, vibrant reef diving, and Bali’s stunning underwater scenery makes this one of the island’s most bucket-list experiences.

📅 Best Season to Dive with Mola-Mola and Manta Rays

Mola-Mola (Ocean Sunfish): Best spotted between July and mid-November, when they rise from the deep for cleaning.

Manta Rays: These graceful giants can be found all year round, especially around Nusa Penida.

📍 Top Dive Locations

– Crystal Bay & Blue Corner – great for spotting both Mola-Mola and thrilling drift dives.
– Batu Abah (Vertigo Point) – often attracts pelagic species, with dramatic underwater landscapes.
– Manta Point I & II – year-round manta encounters at cleaning stations.
– Toyapakeh – coral reefs with occasional pelagic sightings.
– Malibu Point – relaxed drift dives with schools of fish and occasional sunfish.

🌟 Why Divers Love This Site

Unforgettable Encounters – rare chance to see Mola-Mola and manta rays in one trip.

Varied Dive Experiences – cleaning stations, drift dives, and reef exploration in one outing.

Conservation Focus – AquaMarine offers the PADI Manta Ray Awareness Speciality, deepening diver knowledge about manta biology and sustainable practices.

✅ Codes of Conduct for Divers

To ensure safe and respectful encounters, divers are expected to follow clear guidelines. When approaching Mola-Mola, it is vital not to chase, touch, or block their path. Divers should keep a respectful distance, maintain proper buoyancy control, and allow the fish to settle naturally at cleaning stations. Similarly, manta rays should be approached calmly, without the use of sudden flashes or disruptive movements.

Before beginning your Mola-Mola & Manta dive in Bali, it’s essential to follow AquaMarine’s Code of Conduct to protect these gentle giants. The Ocean Sunfish rely on cleaning stations where reef fish remove parasites critical to their health. By keeping a respectful distance and avoiding disturbance, divers allow the Mola-Mola to settle for longer periods, resulting in healthier fish and far more rewarding encounters, with extended opportunities to observe their natural behaviour.

🌏 Why This Dive Belongs on Your Bucket List

The Mola-Mola & Manta dive site in Bali is a dream come true for underwater enthusiasts. With the right timing, guidance, and respect for the ocean, you’ll experience one of the most awe-inspiring marine encounters in the world.

✨ Pro Tip: Book your dives with experienced operators who prioritise conservation and safety. This way, you’ll not only get the best chance to see these giants but also help protect Bali’s fragile marine ecosystem.

Mola-Mola and Manta Dive Site

Click below for more Bali Diving Information:

Diving in Bali